The Fern Lake Fire burning in Rocky Mountain National Park started Oct. 9 and has reached 1,488 acres as it continues to burn. / Courtesy of Rocky Mountain National Park

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Coloradoan staff

More than 60 people are making progress to contain a wildfire burning in Rocky Mountain National Park as it nears 1,500 acres, a park spokeswoman said Thursday.

Higher humidity Thursday morning helped firefighters as they worked to mop up spot fires near Spruce and Forest canyons on the Fern Lake Fire’s southwest side. Air drops were also made late Thursday.

“It was a pretty good day,” fire spokeswoman Traci Weaver said.

The fire, which is roughly 9 miles west of Estes Park, was last mapped Wednesday at 1,488 acres. No structures are threatened, but steep, hazardous terrain has made suppression difficult. Containment is around 40 percent, Weaver said.

The wildfire started Oct. 9 and is expected to continue burning until significant snowfall occurs. A fire and smoking ban is in effect in the park’s backcountry east of the Continental Divide. Campfires in grates are allowed in Moraine Park Campground, which remains open.

Trails in the immediate area of the fire are closed to hikers. Information: www.inciweb.org or (970) 586-1381.